Bristol Welcomes Jingle, the First Official Therapy Dog in Schools
In the heart of Bristol, Tennessee, an excitement is buzzing in the air as students and staff eagerly prepare to welcome a new furry friend to their school family. Meet Jingle, the adorable and playful therapy dog who is all set to make her debut at Viking Academy. Jingle is not just any dog; she is the very first official therapy dog in the Bristol Tennessee City Schools system!
A Pawsitive Change for Students
The introduction of Jingle into the school comes as part of a broader effort to enhance the emotional and mental well-being of students. Bristol Tennessee City Schools is among five school districts in the state to receive a grant from the State Department of Education, aimed at launching this innovative program.
School leaders have poured their hearts into creating a nurturing environment for students, and they believe that Jingle is the perfect addition to their team. Selecting Jingle was no easy task. Decision-makers considered everything from her temperament to her breed to ensure she would be a great fit for the school environment. And it seems their choice has paid off!
Jingle is just a little over three months old, which means she has plenty of energy to keep up with the busy lives of students. Even in her short time on this earth, she has already become quite the social media sensation. That’s right—Jingle has her own Instagram page where followers can catch glimpses of her adorable antics and daily adventures.
Students Can’t Wait to Meet Her!
Students at Viking Academy have been bubbling with excitement at the thought of having a furry friend around. Their enthusiasm is hard to miss; they can hardly contain their eagerness to meet Jingle. Many students shared their feelings, expressing how having a therapy dog will provide them with comfort and companionship during their school day.
One student mentioned, “I think it’s really cool that we will have a dog at school. It’s going to make us feel less stressed when we have tough days.” Others echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the positive impact a dog can have on their mindset. Jingle is sure to bring joy and warmth to the students as they navigate through their academic and social lives.
The Benefits of Having a Therapy Dog
School leaders and mental health advocates agree that having a therapy dog like Jingle can offer a plethora of benefits. Dogs have a unique way of providing emotional support and creating a calming atmosphere, which can be especially helpful when students are facing challenges at school.
Research has shown that therapy dogs can reduce stress, increase motivation to learn, and foster social interaction among students. This program could be a game-changer for many kids, providing them with a support system that may be missing in their everyday lives.
Looking Ahead
The school district is already thinking big about the future. Leaders are hopeful that, if successful, there could be plans to expand the therapy dog initiative to more schools within the district. After all, the companionship of a dog is truly one-of-a-kind and can have lasting positive effects on students’ well-being.
For those eager to keep tabs on Jingle, they can follow her journey and daily shenanigans on her Instagram page by searching for the handle btcs_paws. With her arrival just around the corner, there’s no doubt that Jingle will leave a paw print on the hearts of everyone at Viking Academy.
